2024
Building the quantum economy — Chicago style
October 2, 2024
Among the projects seeking to expand the reach of quantum technology research, the Chicago Quantum Exchange stands out. In this interview, UChicago's David Awschalom, founding director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, talks about the origins of this project and its ambitions to position Chicago at the forefront of quantum technology.
‘Weird’ ancient galaxy discovered by James Webb Space Telescope
October 2, 2024
A new study co-authored by UChicago Assistant Prof. Harley Katz uncovered a galaxy from the early universe where gas may shine brighter than its stars. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists found that this galaxy may help explain how the first stars and galaxies formed.
‘Spooky action at a distance’ observed in quarks for the first time
October 2, 2024
Physicists at CERN report the first observations of quantum entanglement in quarks. A key contributor to this discovery was UChicago physicist Yoav Afik, who helped develop a method to measure entanglement in top quarks.
Data Ecology: A socio-technical approach to controlling dataflows
September 26, 2024
Computer Science Asst. Prof. Raul Castro Fernandez and Law School Asst. Prof. Bridget Fahey are developing a new field of cross-disciplinary study on what they call “data ecology.”
AI-generated content could be easier to identify under new state law aimed at spotting fakes
September 26, 2024
A state law in California will require companies to develop technology by 2026 to distinguish between real images and AI-generated fakes. UChicago Assistant Professor Aloni Cohen, an expert in AI watermarking, comments on the feasibility of these technologies.
Can we engineer our way out of the climate crisis? U. of C. hopes to find out.
September 26, 2024
UChicago continues to position itself as a leader in the emerging field of geoengineering. Prof. David Keith leads the university's climate engineering program, seeking to understand how geoengineering can be used to cool down the planet. This initiative continues to recruit a wide range of researchers committed to the cause of fighting global warming.
PSD Spotlight: Jasna Jackson
September 24, 2024
Originally from Bosnia, Jasna Jackson joined the PSD as Assistant Dean for Budgeting and Financial Planning in July 2024. Before joining the PSD, she served as Director of Budget and Financial Planning and Analysis in UChicago’s Office of Finance and Administration. We interviewed Jasna about her interests and experiences.
The Goldilocks zone of cobalt reactivity: navigating the balance of stability and reactivity in cobalt oxides
September 24, 2024
Looking for more sustainable energy solutions, scientists are examining the promising role that cobalt oxides can play in innovative technologies; however, utilizing their potential poses a challenge for researchers. New research from John Anderson's laboratory tackles this complexity by successfully stabilizing a molecule with two cobalt centers.
A scientific polymath paves her own path to intellectual freedom
September 24, 2024
Prof. Stephanie Palmer, whose work blends biology, physics, math, and computer science, is one of six new Schmidt Science Polymaths, a program to support creative, multidisciplinary researchers.
Should we risk geoengineering to reverse climate change?
September 20, 2024
Scientists in the quest to mitigate climate change have proposed new ideas in geoengineering. A prominent proponent of this strategy, UChicago professor David Keith, believes it is essential to continue research efforts in this field.
Why have record-breaking rains drenched the Carolinas and Europe?
September 20, 2024
Recently, Central Europe and eastern North Carolina have been affected by devastating floods. Prof. Noboru Nakamura, from the Geophysical Sciences department, comments on the unusual environmental conditions in the United States.
A Nobel-Prize winner and astrophysicist on the origins of life
September 20, 2024
UChicago professor and Nobel Prize winner Jack Szostak is the co-author of a new book titled Is Earth Exceptional?: The Quest for Cosmic Life. In this new interview, Prof. Szostak and his co-author, astrophysicist Mario Livio, discuss the questions that fuel their scientific work.
Five UChicago CS students named to Siebel Scholars class of 2025
September 20, 2024
Zewei Liao, Michael Rosenbaum, Brennan Schaffner, Lennart Maximilian Seifert, and Shawn Shan were selected to the prestigious program’s Class of 2025.
Was life on Earth inevitable or incredible?
September 19, 2024
In this opinion piece, Chemistry Prof. Jack W. Szostak discusses the mysteries behind the origins of life on Earth and how these questions can inform scientists' search for life elsewhere.
4 Questions with Scott A. Snyder
September 19, 2024
Prof. Scott A. Snyder has been appointed as the new Master of the Physical Sciences Collegiate Division. In a new interview, he shares insights into his research, his upcoming duties, and what has made his experience at UChicago unique.